Amalgamation of Victoria municipalities

...There are real, tangible issues when a community of only 2,000 people in a metro region of nearly 400,000 is self-governed, self-regulated and represented by politicians from an incredibly small, inter-woven community of residents.

I can't see why they would even bother. The majority of voters who had the opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter of amalgamation in 2014 told the politicians what they wanted. They were promptly ignored. What reason is there to believe there has been any change in the 4 years since?

Duncan and North Cowichan hope to hold referendum this spring, Victoria proponents plan next steps

There are only three certainties in Greater Victoria: death, taxes and discussions about amalgamation.

Whether B.C.'s capital region should have fewer municipalities than its current 13 will be back on the radar this weekend, as the "Amalgamation Yes" group meets to discuss strategy for the 2018 municipal elections.

"We remain true to our mission, which is requiring the region has more accountable, responsible effective governance," said Shellie Gudgeon, co-chair of the group.

How the group goes about moving Greater Victoria toward fewer cities and towns through this election cycle is yet to be determined.

In the 2014 elections, the group campaigned in support of non-binding referendum questions in eight municipalities. Voters in seven of those areas — including Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich and Central Saanich — voted in favour of either amalgamation in the region, or to direct their municipalities to look at greater efficiencies.

In 1927, the rural voters of Saanich disputed the municipal assessments as being invalid and illegal because they included farm improvements in the value of the land, contrary to the Municipal Act. In 1928, a petition was signed by 758 residents of Wards 6, 5 and part of 4 to secede. By 1949, Council still refused to support those wards wanting to take advantage of the Saanich Relief Act. In October of that year, Council passed a motion to discontinue the ward system and asked the Provincial Government to repeal the 1927 Saanich Relief Act.

In January 1950, the Minister of Municipal Affairs advised Saanich Council that he was recommending the petitioners' request be granted and asked Saanich for an inventory of assets and liabilities. The Corporation of the District of Central Saanich was incorporated on December 12, 1950 and the first council meeting was held January 16, 1951.

In 1950 and 1951, Gordon Head, Shelbourne and Cadboro Bay also considered secession and the possibility of joining the Municipality of Oak Bay.